MS_Sunshine

In spite of reading the warnings about Avis, I booked with them anyway for our Ireland car rental. The confirmation e-mail they sent me conveniently didn't include the quote for the insurance plus excess waiver we had agreed on. When I questioned them about this, they refused to put the insurance quotes in writing and assured me that the price they quoted me was correct and it wouldn't be a problem when we picked up the car in Dublin. Needless to say, when we picked up the car the insurance and excess waiver were MUCH higher than quoted, approximately $250 more. Of course at that point you don't have much choice. The agent acted as if he didn't know what I was talking about. Upon returning home, I contacted Avis, and of course THAT representative also acted like he didn't understand my complaint. I believe this is a strategy that Avis uses, which is very dishonest. I might not get any relief by complaining to them, but I can certainly post my reviews. I should have listened to my gut and previously posters. DON'T USE AVIS!!!

ira

Hi MS,

I checked a couple of Avis locations in Ireland.

None of them wish to quote the price for XSCDW

" If you wish to reduce the excess you can purchase additional cover when you pickup your car".

This is another good reason for renting through Kemwel.com or AutoEurope.com

Tony2phones

There is No good reason for renting through an agent, especially a foreign agent who does not understand Irish car rentals..
http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-...n-Ireland.html

MS Sunshine. If you have a complaint that Avis Ireland will not respond to then your next course of action is to complain to the industries watch dog http://www.carrentalcouncil.ie/Code+of+Practice.html

docdan

I apprecaite this thread. The problem is certainly not limited to Ireland. I have my share of Avis gripes here in the US. I now ALWAYS go with other compaies, even if it means a few $$ extra.

TexasAggie

You know, we rented from Avis overseas for Year's in Germany and in Greece. We had a similar problem last year for Italy. Tried and tried to find out about the mandatory CDW insurance ahead of the rental and couldn't. Of course when we got there, the total rental price went up by over $300 per vehicle. Very disappointing, but you're rather stuck at that point (especially us, as we had a 1.5 yr old with us exhausted from a transatlantic flight). We will be using AutoEurope, as Ira advised, for our upcoming trip to Italy in May 2014.

crckwc1

Another vote for AutoEurope. Have used them for years with never a problem. Kemwel, a "sister" company, is also reliable.

scotlib

Comparing costs for a test rental from DUB, I can't see where it's possible to find out the cost of Super CDW through AutoEurope? Regular CDW is stated, but I can't find a mention of Super CDW.

All I can see is about same as with Avis' own web site in the T&C, and that doesn't help with budgeting: "Auto Europe does not provide insurance . Coverage is provided by the rental company, as indicated. Additional coverage may be available for purchase from the rental company."

It's interesting that on Avis' web site I can see Personal Accident Insurance with Liability Insurance specifically not included, but on AutoEurope Liability IS included and no mention of a Personal.

The AutoEurope quote is lower, but once the cost of a not included airport pickup is figured in, AE is $4 less than Avis direct.

This thread is very helpful for someone new to renting in Ireland and creating a budget, though I'm sorry for the frustrations it cost posters to learn.

(ps: yes, I am known on my trip reports for not renting, but my DS is interested, so I'm researcher and navigator (only!))

Tony2phones

Auto Europe do Not get good press for Irish rental more than enough complain about extra charges when turning up at the rental desk..Always find out the End Price.. Knowing what you pay on line is no comfort when you get to a desk and find out the "extras" Many agencies cant give end price because they simply don't know who they are going to put you with when they eventually reserve your car the day before you are due to collect it..

MS_Sunshine

Thanks for all the replies. I did not book online, but instead talked to an agent on the phone and kept notes of everything that was said. I will file a complaint as Tony suggested.

MS_Sunshine

Update: Tony2phones, thanks for the link. I filed a complaint a week ago and this morning have received an e-mail telling me that charges will be adjusted to reflect the amount we agreed on when I booked. Thanks again

Tony2phones

Glad it worked, sorry it was necessary.

farberds

I had the same horrible experience;
They seem out to trick you with a smile @ the Avis counter. I came from the US, arriving @ 5:30am. My booking was reserved online months before - and I only remembered the 650 something. I didn't remember Euro's or Dollars, but at 5:30am after an overnight flight who does? I added coverage for insurance @ 7/day and was on my way. Only on my return 9 days later did I discover the mistake, they were quoting Euros, and I was quoted $'s when booking. Ultimately this is what I learned.
1) Europe/Ireland Avis and US Avis are totally separate
2) The online reservation is not a contract
3) I overpaid by $300 and there is no way to get my money back
I'll NEVER USE AVIS AGAIN ANYWHERE - and suggest you don't either.